For the 2025-26 school year, there are 14 public elementary schools serving 5,174 students in Helena, MT.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Helena, MT are Jefferson School, Smith School and Warren School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Helena, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Helena have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public elementary school average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Helena, MT (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jefferson School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1023 Broadway
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-2060
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-2060
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Smith School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2320 5th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1530
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1530
Gr: PK-5 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Warren School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2690 Old York Road
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1600
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1600
Gr: PK-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Four Georgians School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
555 Custer Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1300
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1300
Gr: PK-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
C R Anderson Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1200 Knight St
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-2800
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-2800
Gr: 6-8 | 1,016 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #66.
Central School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1325 Poplar
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1230
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1230
Gr: PK-5 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
Hawthorne School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
430 Madison Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1370
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1370
Gr: PK-5 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #88.
Helena Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1025 North Rodney
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1000
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1000
Gr: 6-8 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #99.
Rossiter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1497 Sierra Road East
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1500
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1500
Gr: PK-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1010.
Broadwater School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 Hollins
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1130
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1130
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1111.
Kessler Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2420 Choteau Street
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1700
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1700
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1212.
Jim Darcy School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
990 Lincoln Road West
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1410
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1410
Gr: PK-5 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1313.
Bryant School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1529 Boulder
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1200
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 324-1200
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
Pine Hills Youth Corr Facil Elementary School
Alternative School
4 N Haynes Ave
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 232-1377
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 232-1377
Gr: 6-8 | 1 student
Helena, Montana 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Riverside Youth Correctional Facil Elementary School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
2 Riverside Road
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 225-4500
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 225-4500
Gr: 6-8
Riverside Youth Correctional Facil High School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
2 Riverside Road
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 225-4500
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 225-4500
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Helena, MT?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Helena, MT include Jefferson School, Smith School and Warren School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Helena?
14 public elementary schools are located in Helena.
What is the racial composition of students in Helena?
Helena public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public elementary schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public elementary schools in Helena are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Helena include: Helena Middle School vs. C R Anderson Middle School, C R Anderson Middle School vs. Helena Middle School, Hawthorne School vs. Jefferson School
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